Becoming a DSF Tutor

Membership of the Dyslexia-Speld Foundation WA (Inc) entitles a parent / individual to apply for access to our Tutor Register which contains a list of DSF trained Tutors and Specialist Teachers.  Once a tutor is located through the register, a private contractual arrangement is established between a family / individual and their chosen tutor.

Over the years DSF Tutors have played a vital role in assisting children and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.  A good teacher, using sound teaching methods can make all the difference to a student’s success and self-confidence.

If you are interested in becoming a DSF Tutor, the requirements and application process are as follows:

  1. 1. Submit an application
  2. Potential Tutors are required to complete and submit an application form to the Tutor Management Administrator, via tutormanagement@dsf.net.au and attach all supporting documentation (i.e. resume, WWCC Card, copies of degrees and certificates).  The application form is located under the ‘Forms and Information’ tab on the right.

Qualifications and Experience

All prospective tutors and those registered with DSF are required to:

  • Have an appropriate qualification from a recognised tertiary institution
    • DSF Specialist Teachers must have a teaching qualification
    • DSF Tutors must have a recognised qualification from another relevant discipline (e.g. Education Assistant, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy etc.)
    • Secondary Teachers need to have taught English and/or Maths
  • Have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and commit to renewing the WWCC as required by the government
  • Have a minimum of two years practical experience or equivalent (e.g. in a classroom, as a therapist, individual tutoring) [1]
  • Have provided the names and contact details of two professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s credentials, professionalism and aptitude
  • Have a current Tax File Number (TFN) from the ATO
  2. 2. Reference Check
  3. On receipt of the application, the professional referees of each applicant will be contacted and the references reviewed.
  4. 3. Interview with the DSF Tutor Manager 
  5. If the application and reference checks are acceptable, applicants will then be required to attend an initial interview with the DSF Tutor Manager and demonstrate aptitude and suitability against a range of criteria.
  6. 4. Professional Learning (if approved)
  7. If applicants are deemed to be suitable for a position as a DSF Tutor, they are then required to complete a minimum of five days of training in current research and high quality, evidence-based programs and strategies recognised as effective for individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities. Further information regarding the relevant DSF courses can be found in the DSF Tutor Guidelines.
  8. 5. Reflection Sheets 
  9. Reflection sheets based on the Professional Learning courses attended are completed and will be reviewed by the DSF Tutor Management Team.
  10. 6. Follow-up Session Post Training 
  11. Based on the initial interview and reflection sheet findings, applicants may be required to attend a follow-up session post training with the DSF Tutor Manager to demonstrate aptitude and suitability against a range of criteria, before a final sign off is arranged.
  12. 7. Final Tutor Meeting (if approved)
  13. Once all of the above requirements are completed to a satisfactory level, prospective tutors will be expected to attend a 1.5 to 2.5 hour Final Tutor Meeting with the DSF Tutor Manager, where programming, reporting, assessing, and invoicing and receipting will be discussed. The Final Tutor Meeting is typically the final step before being listed on the Register and is a great opportunity for new Tutors to ask any questions they have. As part of this meeting, Tutors are provided with a range of forms and templates, as well as a ‘Tutor Profile’ form that forms the basis of their online tutor profile.  Following payment of membership and receipt of the Tutor’s signed insurance form and tutor profile, the Tutor’s name, along with their professional profile, is entered on the online Tutor Register.
  14. [1] Teachers with less than two years experience may be considered. Their teaching experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Tutor Manager.

  15. Further information regarding the process to become a DSF Registered Tutor and ongoing DSF Tutor requirements can be found in the DSF Tutor Guidelines (located under the ‘Forms and Information’ tab on the right).